'allspice' originates from English, specifically the word 'all' and 'spice', where 'all' meant 'entire' and 'spice' referred to 'seasoning'.

'allspice' was named in the 17th century by the English, who thought it combined the flavor of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Initially, it referred to the spice's combined flavor profile, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.